Britain Releases Lockdown On World's Second Largest COVID-19 Death Rate

JAKARTA - British Prime Minister (PM) Boris Johnson said the government had no intention of ending the lockdown. However, the UK government is known to be slowly loosening its lockdown measures which resulted in the shutdown of large parts of the economy for seven weeks. Therefore, PM Boris Johnson reminded the public to remain vigilant about the risk of COVID-19.

Johnson gave direction that other countries in the United Kingdom are taking a similar approach. But there are direct divisions with leaders in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland who say they are sticking to the 'stay at home' message that still holds true today.

In a televised address, Johnson announced limited easing of the lockdown, including allowing people to exercise outdoors and encouraging some to return to work. "This is not the time to end the lockdown. But we are taking the first cautious steps to modify our actions," Johnson said.

The British government has faced a lot of criticism for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, PM Johnson is still working on loosening the lockdown in the country. The death toll from COVID-19 in the UK alone is around 31,855, which is the second highest number of deaths in the world after the United States and higher than Italy.

Johnson says people should continue working from home if they can. However, those who cannot, such as workers in construction and manufacturing, should be actively encouraged to go to work.

Starting Wednesday, May 13, people will be allowed to do an unlimited number of outdoor sports and sit in the sun in a local park. People are also allowed to ride and exercise with family members.

Another decision was to replace the government's 'stay at home' slogan that was played for several weeks, criticized by opposition parties who called the 'stay alert' message ambiguous.

At the earliest, on June 1, the UK government will also start a gradual reopening of shops and get some students back to school, he said. PM Johnson also added, in early July, there may be opening of several hotel industries and other public places if they apply physical distancing.

Britain will also immediately begin quarantining people arriving into the country by air. "During the next two months, we will be driven not only by hopes or economic needs. But everything is driven based on science, data and public health, "he said.

"We will monitor our progress locally, regionally and nationally and if there is an outbreak, if there is a problem, we will not hesitate to brake it," concluded Johnson.